What Causes Mold?

Common Contributors to Mold Growth in Homes

Most people think about potential mold issues after large leaks and floods damage a home. While large amounts of water, when left without professional care, can result in expensive mold damage, most mold comes from less obvious environmental factors. In fact, it is estimated that 46% of homes in the United States have mold in them. Though most small mold issues are common and unavoidable, untreated issues that get out of hand can cause severe issues in your home and in the health of your family. So, what causes mold?

Here are common contributors to mold growth in homes:

Condensation and Humidity

Humidity is more prevalent in the summer time with the sun drawing moisture into the air. The winter, however, has the opposite problem. Cooler surface temperatures in our warm homes, thanks to the chilly weather outside, can cause condensation. The moisture soaks into porous surfaces like fabric and drywall, creating a breeding ground for mold.

To make things worse, we all love steaming hot showers when it’s cold outside. Unfortunately, that amount of warm, wet air in a small room can also cause mold growth explosions.

Poor Ventilation

This time of year, doors and windows are staying shut more to conserve heat, but that effort can also conserve moisture. Make sure to keep air flowing through your house, including the basement, to allow moisture to evaporate and escape properly. In the especially wet seasons, dehumidifiers are also an excellent way to pull excess moisture from the air.

Leaks

You do not need to see inches of water on the floor for a leak to be present. Even small drips from pipes or unmaintained roofs can let in enough water to cause a mold problem. Keep an eye out for water spots on ceilings, walls, and concrete. Should you notice anything out of the ordinary, call the necessary professionals to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Noticed the problem too late? Bay Area Clean Care is your local, professional choice for getting your home back to normal.

We use state-of-the-art technology including infrared cameras to document not just the visible damage, but also the damage that cannot be visually observed. Our certified technicians will pinpoint the source of the moisture and devise a strategy to address the problem at return the structure to the proper Standard of Care.